Encouraging independent living for midcoast Maine seniors and adults through cheerful and dependable personal care.

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Maine’s cold winter weather is of special concern when your elderly loved one lives alone during the bitter cold winter months. These cold weather tips will help ensure your loved one manages the cold properly.

(I found particularly interesting the fact that certain medications prevent the body from regulating temperatures normally.)

Cold Stress (Hypothermia)

Much like high blood pressure, hypothermia can be called a "silent killer" in the sense that many of its victims are not aware of the threat. In the case of hypothermia, elderly persons may not be aware they are becoming cold as readily as younger people, and their bodies may not adjust to changes in temperature.

Working with elderly who have dementia or Alzheimer’s, we often find they frequently repeat words, statements, questions and/or actions. Perhaps this repetitive behavior is triggered by anxiety, fear of the environment, or when trying to achieve comfort, security or familiarity. Whatever the reason, how we respond to the repetitive behavior is important in order to monitor their comfort and meet their needs.

Judy was well into the 1st stage of Alzheimer’s Disease, according to her doctor. In her earlier years, she had loved cared for many children and babies. She continued to show love for them even as she progressed into her disease.

Expert advice for discussing the Value of In-home Care with Your Elderly Parents. By doing a little research, enlisting the support of others, and incorporating the idea slowly into a conversation, your elderly parents just might welcome the assistance they need from a home health care professional to remain independent and comfortable at home.